Encountering a WordPress site stuck in maintenance mode can be frustrating, especially when you’re locked out of your dashboard and visitors see a “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance” message. This issue typically occurs when WordPress updates are interrupted—whether it’s a core update, plugin, or theme update—leaving behind a lingering .maintenance file. Fortunately, fixing this problem is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced technical skills.

In this guide, you’ll learn why WordPress gets stuck in maintenance mode, how to quickly resolve the issue using three proven methods, and proactive steps to prevent it from happening again. By the end, you’ll be able to restore your site’s functionality and minimize downtime.

Why Does WordPress Get Stuck in Maintenance Mode?

WordPress automatically activates maintenance mode whenever you update your core software, plugins, or themes. During this process, it creates a temporary .maintenance file in your site’s root directory. If the update is interrupted due to server timeouts, poor internet connectivity, or manual intervention (like closing your browser), WordPress can’t remove this file, leaving your site stuck in maintenance mode.

Common causes include:

Interrupted updates: If the update process is halted before completion, the .maintenance file remains, locking your site in maintenance mode.
Plugin or theme conflicts: Incompatible or poorly coded plugins/themes can trigger errors during updates, preventing WordPress from exiting maintenance mode.
Server issues: Slow server response or insufficient resources can cause the update to fail, leaving the maintenance file intact.
Manual errors: Accidentally refreshing the page or navigating away during an update can disrupt the process.

When this happens, your site displays a generic maintenance message, and you’re unable to access the front end or dashboard. The good news is that you can manually remove the .maintenance file to restore access.

How to Fix WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Method 1: Delete the .maintenance File via FTP

The most reliable way to fix this issue is by deleting the .maintenance file using an FTP client (such as FileZilla) or your hosting provider’s file manager. Here’s how:

Connect to your site via FTP: Use your FTP credentials (host, username, password, and port) to log in. If you’re unsure how to do this, check your hosting provider’s documentation or contact support.
Navigate to your WordPress root directory: This is the folder where you’ll find wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes.
Locate and delete the .maintenance file: Ensure your FTP client is set to show hidden files (files starting with a dot). Right-click the .maintenance file and delete it.
Refresh your site: After deleting the file, refresh your browser. Your site should now be out of maintenance mode.

If you don’t have FTP access, most hosting providers (like Kinsta, Cloudways, or SiteGround) offer a file manager in their control panel. Log in, navigate to your site’s root directory, and delete the .maintenance file from there.

Method 2: Use cPanel File Manager

If your host uses cPanel, you can delete the .maintenance file directly from the File Manager:

Log in to your cPanel account.
Open the File Manager and navigate to your WordPress root directory (usually public_html).
Enable the option to show hidden files (look for a setting like “Show Hidden Files” in the File Manager).
Find and delete the .maintenance file.
Refresh your site to confirm it’s back online.

This method is ideal for users who prefer not to use FTP or don’t have FTP credentials handy.

Method 3: Rename Plugins or Themes Folder (If the Issue Persists)

If deleting the .maintenance file doesn’t work, a plugin or theme conflict might be the culprit. To troubleshoot:

Via FTP or File Manager, navigate to the wp-content folder.
Rename the plugins folder to plugins_old. This deactivates all plugins.
Check if your site is accessible. If it is, the issue is plugin-related.
Rename the folder back to plugins and reactivate plugins one by one to identify the problematic one.
Repeat the process for the themes folder if necessary.

Once you’ve identified the conflicting plugin or theme, update or replace it to prevent future issues.

Pro Tips to Prevent Maintenance Mode Issues

While fixing WordPress stuck in maintenance mode is simple, preventing it from happening in the first place is even better. Here are some best practices:

Update incrementally: Avoid updating multiple plugins or themes at once. Update them individually to minimize the risk of interruptions.
Backup your site: Always back up your site before running updates. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or your hosting provider’s backup tools.
Use a staging site: Test updates on a staging environment before applying them to your live site.
Monitor server resources: Ensure your hosting plan provides adequate resources (CPU, RAM) to handle updates smoothly.
Clear cache: After fixing the issue, clear your WordPress cache, browser cache, and any caching plugins to ensure changes take effect.
Check plugin compatibility: Verify that all plugins and themes are compatible with your WordPress version before updating.
Use a maintenance mode plugin: Plugins like SeedProd or WP Maintenance Mode allow you to customize the maintenance page and manually control when it appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my WordPress site still in maintenance mode after deleting the .maintenance file?

If the issue persists, clear your browser cache and WordPress cache. If that doesn’t help, check for plugin or theme conflicts by renaming the plugins or themes folder as described above.

Can I fix this issue without FTP access?

Yes! Most hosting providers offer a file manager in their control panel. You can also contact your hosting support for assistance.

Will this affect my SEO?

WordPress returns a 503 HTTP status code during maintenance mode, which tells search engines your site is temporarily unavailable. This won’t harm your rankings if the issue is resolved quickly.

How do I enable maintenance mode manually?

You can enable maintenance mode manually by adding the following code to your functions.php file:

function wp_maintenance_mode() {
    if (!current_user_can('edit_themes') || !is_user_logged_in()) {
        wp_die('Under Maintenance. Please check back soon.');
    }
}
add_action('get_header', 'wp_maintenance_mode');

Remove this code when you’re done with maintenance.

What if I don’t see a .maintenance file?

If the file is missing, the issue might be caused by a plugin or theme. Deactivate plugins/themes as described in Method 3.

Conclusion

Fixing a WordPress site stuck in maintenance mode is a quick and straightforward process. By deleting the .maintenance file via FTP or cPanel, you can restore access to your site in minutes. If the problem persists, check for plugin or theme conflicts and update them individually. Proactively backing up your site, using a staging environment, and updating incrementally will help you avoid this issue in the future.

With these steps, you can confidently resolve maintenance mode issues and keep your WordPress site running smoothly.